RESEARCH

Too Much Fun for Therapy: Therapeutic Recreation as an Intervention Tool With At-Risk Youth

This article explores the use of Therapeutic Recreation (TR) as a tool to prevent school dropout by promoting resilience in at-risk youth through activities like horticultural therapy and creative arts.

Program Types: Social, Therapeutic

Population Groups: Addiction/Substance Use Disorders, Children/Youth, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Greater Job Readiness & Vocational Skills, Improved Mental Health, Improved Stress Management, Increased Self-Efficacy, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Education, Recreational Therapy

Type of Activity: Mindfulness/Visualizations, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Outdoor Gardening

Evidence Type: Observational Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

Summary

This article explores the use of Therapeutic Recreation (TR) as an intervention tool for at-risk youth to prevent them from dropping out of school. It suggests that educators can enhance protective factors and promote resilience in youth by incorporating strategies from community youth programs, specifically purposeful recreation from TR. The article highlights that TR uses treatment, leisure education, and recreation participation to enhance functional independence, health, and well-being.

The activities are centered around using recreation in four different modes: to teach, reinforce, motivate, and reward. Examples include horticultural therapy to improve self-esteem and incorporate educational components, stress management to increase conflict resolution and coping skills, creative arts therapies to discover personal strengths, and humor intervention to increase group cohesion and reduce stress. The article provides sample programs and contact resources for each type of intervention, emphasizing that TR can be a “fun” way to engage students and build essential life skills, helping them overcome risk factors and achieve their full potential.

Link

Brooks, K. W. & National Dropout Prevention Center at Clemson University. (1997). Too much fun for therapy: Therapeutic Recreation as an intervention tool with At-Risk Youth.

Other Recommended Research

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

RESEARCH

Too Much Fun for Therapy: Therapeutic Recreation as an Intervention Tool With At-Risk Youth

Summary

Link

Other Recommended Research

Winter Sowing in Milk Jugs

Scented Pelargonium Propagation

Plant Needs Reflections

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia